Bio 242 Fungi

Hyphae

The filamentous structures that make up the body of fungi, consisting of long, branching cells

Mycelium

Mats of hyphae that form the vegetative part of fungi, facilitating nutrient absorption

Septa

Cross-walls that divide hyphae into individual cells, contributing to the structure and function of fungi

Mycorrhizae

Symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots that enhance nutrient exchange

Arbuscular mycorrhizae

Extends arbuscules through the root cell wall and into the tubes of the root cell plasma membrane

Ectomycorrhizal

Sheaths of hyphae over the root surface

Cryptomycetes

Unicellular, flagellated spores, parasitic to protists and othe fungi

Microsporidians

Unicellular, parasitic that infect host cells with a harpoon-like organelle, lack mitochondria

Chytrids

Aquatic, flagellated fungi known for their zoospores, single-celled or form colonies

Zoopagomycetes

Parasitic or commensal, filamentous hyphae, reproduce asexually via nonflagellated spores

Mucoromycetes

Molds associated with decomposing food, reproduce both sexually and asexually with a life cycle featuring sporangiospores

Ascomycetes

“sac-fungi”, with a fruiting body called an ascocarp that produces ascospores in sac-like structures called asci; asexual reproduction with conidia

Basidiomycetes

Club-like shape, decomposer of plant material, has fruiting bodies called basidiocarps that produce basidiospores; includes mushrooms and rusts

Lichens

Symbiotic association between fungus and photosynthetic microorganisms (algae or cyanobacteria)